Impersonation scheme exploits urgent school tender, prompting police warning on procurement fraud
A seemingly routine business opportunity turned into a costly lesson, highlighting how fast-moving tender scams continue to exploit trust and urgency.
A Late-Night Offer That Raised No Suspicion
A 29-year-old sales executive in Terengganu lost RM50,750 after falling victim to a fake tender scam involving a supposed government project. According to Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor, the woman was contacted on Feb 5 by a man claiming to be a government officer with an urgent procurement request.
School Canteen Tender Used as Bait
The suspect told the victim that a primary school canteen in the Marang district urgently needed chairs and tables. The tight timeline and official tone were designed to pressure the victim into acting quickly, a common tactic used in procurement-related scams.
Fake Supplier Added to Build Credibility
To further convince the victim, the suspect provided contact details of an alleged supplier who promised to provide the items at a lower cost. The coordinated effort created the illusion of a legitimate supply chain, reducing the likelihood of immediate verification.
Company Funds Transferred in Early Hours
Believing the offer was genuine, the victim transferred RM50,750 using company funds at around 2.25am into a bank account specified by the suspect. The transfer was completed before any internal checks or confirmation with authorities could be carried out.
Truth Uncovered After Verification
Subsequent checks revealed that no such government tender existed. Realizing she had been deceived, the victim lodged a police report at 5.27pm the same day, prompting an official investigation.
Police Investigation Under Criminal Law
ACP Azli confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Police have reminded businesses to verify all tender offers directly with relevant government agencies.
A Growing Risk for Businesses
Authorities warn that scams involving fake tenders and impersonation of officials are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting professionals who handle procurement and payments, particularly during urgent or after-hours communications.
This case underscores the growing risks faced by businesses across the region as scammers refine their methods using impersonation and fabricated procurement processes. Strong verification protocols and internal checks remain critical, especially for companies operating across borders and dealing with public-sector related projects in Malaysia and Singapore.
Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , The Star (2026)
Keywords: Fake Tender Scam, Government Officer Impersonation, Procurement Fraud, Online Scams Malaysia, Financial Crime
